ROCHESTER – NY – Nazareth overcame a 16-point first quarter deficit, before falling short in the second half, as host St. John Fisher defeated the Golden Flyers 63-50 Tuesday night in the first go around of the Battle of the Beaks. 

With the loss, Nazareth falls to 6-7 overall and 2-2 in Empire 8 play, while the Cardinals improve to 9-5 and 4-1, respectively.

It was a forgettable start for the Golden Flyers as they started 2-for-12 (16.7 percent) from the floor, falling behind 24-8 after one quarter. 

Nazareth flipped a switch in the second, outscoring Fisher 20-2 to take a 28-26 lead into the break.

Demetria Woodard ignited the team with two early triples and Nazareth's defense came alive to get the visitors back into the game.

Fisher shot 1-for-11 (9.1 percent) in the quarter, with its lone bucket coming with :36 seconds remaining.

Samantha Peebles had 10 of her game-high 21 points before the half. She added six rebounds and two assists in the loss. 

In the third quarter, Fisher regained its composure to score the first eight points.  The Cardinals relied on sophomore Liga Kalina to take a 47-39 lead into the fourth.  She finished the game 13 points and 14 rebounds. 

Fisher's lead grew to as many as 14 early in the fourth at 56-42 and the Nazareth was never able to bring it within single digits.

Rachel Benedict added 10 points and six boards. Delaney Martin had nine points.

Nazareth returns to action on Friday, traveling to Stevens for an 8 p.m. conference matchup.